Shrimp Paste

It is not the same as Dried Shrimp Paste. If an Asian recipe calls for Shrimp Paste, it probably means the dried kind.

Shrimp Paste will come in a small plastic container, and have a thick consistency, like fudge.

In the UK, it is served on toast or crackers with tea. It used to be particularly popular in Scotland for a high tea.

Shrimp Paste won’t be just shrimp. It will be cooked, fresh shrimp mixed with a small amount of white fish, some butter and finely chopped onion, seasonings and a bit of lemon juice.

You sweat the onion, add the fish and cook without browning, cool, then add all remaining ingredients and purée in a blender. Then you season to taste adding some lemon juice as well, stir in some fresh chopped parsley for appearance, pack in a small jar, crock or ramekin, seal the top with a layer of melted butter, and refrigerate until serving.